Cambodian Army to Hold Joint Anti-Terrorism Military Exercises with China

Cambodia and China increased military cooperation after Phnom Penh canceled its joint military exercises with the United States in the aftermath of a diplomatic fallout over the dissolution of Cambodia’s main opposition party.

PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian military is to hold joint military exercises with their Chinese counterparts focusing on counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations, according to Cambodia’s defense ministry.

A statement from the Ministry of National Defense said the “Golden Dragon” exercises would take place in Kampong Speu province between March 15 and March 30 and would be the second joint military exercises with China in recent months.

The ministry warned authorities in Kampong Speu “not to be surprised by the explosions and the mobilization of military equipment” in the area, or the use of live ammunition, and imposed a no-fly zone.

Cambodia and China increased military cooperation after Phnom Penh canceled its joint military exercises with the United States in the aftermath of a diplomatic fallout over the dissolution of Cambodia’s main opposition party.

Gen. Chhum Socheat, defense spokesman, said more than 200 military personnel would take part in the exercise, alongside some 200 Chinese officers.

Cambodia and China launched their first ever joint military exercises in 2016.

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